Santa Teresa Beach: reviews and practical tips

Visiting Santa Teresa Beach

Santa Teresa is a coastal town in Costa Rica, located in the province of Puntarenas, 150km west of San José, the country's capital. This beach town, set within the Nicoya Peninsula, revolves around visitors walking along its shoreline.

History

Like many coastal settlements, Santa Teresa started out as an isolated fishing village. Back then, locals survived on small-scale farming, livestock raising, and artisanal fishing. As transportation improved, travelers began flocking to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Today, fishing and agriculture have taken a back seat to tourism. The town itself consists mostly of one main drag lined with hotels, hostels, bars, and restaurants.

The Beach

One major draw here is the unusually well-preserved forest bordering the sand, providing a backdrop quite different from typical resort beaches. The trees also shelter local wildlife, including howler monkeys and capuchins.

Santa Teresa is well known among surfers thanks to reliable waves year-round. A thriving local economy has sprung up around the sport, with surf shops, equipment rentals, and surf schools lining the streets.

If you want to get in the water, you can go scuba diving in clear waters teeming with tropical fish.

For those who prefer staying dry, you can take Pilates or yoga classes right on the sand, or simply kick back on a lounge chair and work on a tan.

Once evening rolls around, you can grab a drink and dinner at an open-air terrace before heading back to your hotel.